Samuel Chukwueze and 6 Other Nigerians with European Titles
Samuel Chukwueze has joined the short list of Nigerians with European titles as Villarreal defeated Manchester United in penalties last night. David De Gea had his poor effort parried by Rulli after the 10 players from each team and Ruilli had put the ball behind the goal.
Samuel Chukwueze was missed on the flanks during the match as he had to sit the game out, thanks to an injury.
Although he did not play a minute in the finals, he has been impressive so far for the Yellow Submarrines. This is not only Samuel Chukwueze’s first trophy with Villarreal. It is also Villarreal’s first trophy. Here us a list of other male Nigerian footballers who have been decorated with an European title.
1. Finidi George
Finidi George lifted the Champion’s League with Ajax Amsterdam in 1995, defeating AC Milan 1-0 in the finals. The energetic winger and Super Eagles’ legend contributed the the immense success of the team at that time.
2. Taribo West
The imposing defender was the funny hairstyle was instrumental in helping Inter Millan will the 1998 UEFA cup. He played the back line and kept a clean sheet in their emphatic 3-0 win over Lazio.
3. Nwankwo Kanu
Kanu was Finidi George’s team mate at Ajax when they won the UCL in 1995. The lanky and skillful poacher plyed his trade in the Dutch league before enjoying an amazing stint in the English Premier League. He was again Taribo West’s team mate when Inter won the Europa league in 1998. This makes Kanu the first to win both trophies.
4. Chidi Odiah
Chidi Odiah is one of the best wing back to have ever played in the Nigerian colours. The both-footed players featured in the 3-1 win of CSKA Moscow over Sporting Lisbon to win the Europa lead in 2005.
5. John Mikel Obi
This is probably going to be the first familiar name for the younger generation. He is one of the most decorated Nigerian footballers with two European trophies to his name. The midfielder was a important feature in the Chelsea team that won the Champions league and Europa lead back to back, making history.
This they achieved in 2012 and 2013, respectively.
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6. Victor Moses
In a move that even actually saw his switch from a winger to wing back, Victor Moses joined champions leader champions in 2012. He was part of the team that won the Europa league with Mikel Obi in 2013 before they won the Europa league again in 2019. He could have won it again ehile on loan to Inter Milan last season but they were stopped by Sevilla. Although he has spent most his last 8 seasons on loan to Liverpool, Stoke City, West Ham United, Fernerbahçe, Inter Milan, and, Spartak Moscow, Victor Moses is still very much a Chelsea player.
And finally, we have 22-year old Samuel Chuckwueze joining the list.
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